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Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758 )

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758 ). Edwards’ sermons heavily emphasized “fire and brimstone”—torments of hell endured by sinners Believed in science and reason; influenced by the Enlightenment Saw physical world as proof God’s presence and will. A Preacher Born and Raised.

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Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758 )

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  1. Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)

  2. Edwards’ sermons heavily emphasized “fire and brimstone”—torments of hell endured by sinners • Believed in science and reason; influenced by the Enlightenment • Saw physical world as proof God’s presence and will

  3. A Preacher Born and Raised • Born in East Windsor, Connecticut, where he grew up in atmosphere of devout discipline • As a young boy, preached sermons to playmates from a makeshift pulpit built behind his home • By the age of twelve, Edwards learned to speak Latin, Greek, and Hebrew; exhibited remarkable powers of observation and analysis • At the age of thirteen, Edwards entered Collegiate School of Connecticut (now Yale University); graduated four years later, valedictorian of his class • From there, Edwards went on to earn master’s degree in theology

  4. The Great Awakening • Edwards began preaching career in 1727 • Assistant to his grandfather, Solomon Stoddard, pastor of church at Northampton Massachusetts, one of the largest and wealthiest Puritan churches • When Stoddard died, Edwards became pastor of Northampton church

  5. The Great Awakening • Edwards was committed to a return to the orthodoxy and fervent faith of Puritan past • Became one of the leaders in Great Awakening, a revival that swept the colonies in 1730s-1740s • Sermons sparked conversions and stimulated religious zeal

  6. Changing Attitudes • As pastor of Northampton church, Edwards firmly disciplined members of his congregation for reading “improper books” • Denounced sinners by name in his sermons • These actions, combined with strict theological views, drew criticism • In 1750, Edwards was dismissed as pastor

  7. Fall from Favor • After his dismissal, Edwards moved to Stockbridge, MA, where he preached to Native Americans • Wrote most of his important theological works during this time, including “A Careful and Strict Enquiry into…Notions of…Freedom of Will” (1754) • Continued to preach and write until his death in 1758, just after becoming president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University

  8. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” • Highly emotional sermon, and is by far Edwards’ most famous work • Delivered in 1741 to a congregation in Enfeld, Connecticut • Read directly from his • notes and looked up only • occasionally • Reported to have caused listeners to rise from their seats in a state of hysteria—demonstrates Edwards’ tremendous powers of persuasion and captures religious fervor of the Great Awakening

  9. Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)

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